Designer Handbags (Page 3)

If you are in search of a unique evening bag for your holiday and New Years celebrations consider the Lanvin Aumoniere satin pochette ($750 at Net-a-Porter). This adorable petite bag has a very vintage inspired look to it. This bag could have been your grandmother’s and looks just as modern today as it might have fifty years ago. Translated as “little pocket” the Lanvin Aumoniere is made of classic black satin and features satin drawstring handles which gather up to close the bag. There is also an optional gold-tone metal chain strap which I think detracts from the elegant simplicity for of the Lanvin Aumoniere satin pochette. Inside you’ll find a small pouch pocket with just enough space for keeping your keys and cel phone in place. The expandable sack-like shape of this bag, although small is perfect for toting your evening essentials as you welcome in 2010!

You might remember a couple months back when we talked about a new amazing partnership with high end luxury, Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine. The newest issue just hit the stands and I have to say, it keeps getting better and better. Since we are in the midst of the Holiday Season, it should be no surprise that this issue is all about extraordinary gifts, people and places. Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine continues to gather amazing articles that you need to see.

For our article, we picked three occasions during the holidays and a fabulous handbag to go with it. From a family gathering, an office party and of course New Year’s Eve, you’ve got to check out our picks and some more great photography by Vlad (see page 96).

Wowie zowie folks. This is a lot of bag for such a little bag. While my first reaction was, “this bag isn’t for me”, there is no doubt that this is actually a great statement piece if you have both the event and the funds for it. So instead of just moving onto the next bag, I decided that this is the kind of bag worth dissecting a bit. While your first instinct might say, “hot mess”, there is actually a bit of brilliance behind the Donna Karan Jewelry Chandelier Leather Pouch Bag.

What would be more becoming at a holiday party than a decadent gold metallic clutch paired with these dramatic DKNY “Dotty” snake print metallic gold sandals and your favorite little black dress? The accessories can make or break your look.

An eye catching evening clutch for a holiday party will definitely put you in a party mood. Add some sparkle, just a touch. Moderation is the key to not looking like you are trying too hard. Pair the gold accessories with solid colors such as black, charcoal gray or perhaps even fuchsia if you dare. But most of all, have fun with it and rotate your gold toned accessories with various outfits, perhaps add some classics to your handbag collection in shades that are hot right now, including a shiny metallic gold, an antiqued gold and even a bronze finish. This would make a great statement piece though!

As an ode to the iconic 2.55 Chanel handbag there are a number of handbags incorporating this the quilting trend. Quilted handbags feature various patterns primarily stitched onto leather. Many of the Marc Jacobs handbags incorporate quilting into the styling of the bag as well.

Quilting can also be seen on accessories like this Stella McCartney Wide Quilted Waist Belt (upper left on model, $525 at Net-a-Porter) and of course winter puffer jackets. Embroidered patterns are laid out in vertical and horizontal patterns overlap to create diamond or other patterns that add dimension and texture.

Along with the arrival of fall comes a more practical attitude to dressing. Gone are the easy breezy casual days of summer when I could simply throw on a sundress and sandals. With the arrival of Autumn comes back-to-school, crisp cool weather and a more hectic schedule.

Now that my daughter is in pre-school I find I have to carry many more items while we rush out the door in the morning. I need a practical stylish tote with plenty of room for snacks; hand wipes and sippy cups. A chic and roomy brown leather tote will perfectly match my chunky cashmere sweaters and Burberry trench.

For those of you who have been following us here at Purse Blog for a while, you probably remember reading about handbag designer, Katherine Kwei. Her intricate designs and attention to detail help make her bags the unique masterpieces they are. I fell in love with the Donna Clutch and can’t wait to add it to my collection. There is no way you will find another clutch out there like it.

Well, we have a lovely update for you about all the amazing stuff going on with Katherine Kwei and her line. I love getting a chance to speak with designers and hear about the latest and greatest. It’s as if I am dishing info with a close friend! And since you know me and what a hard time I have keeping secrets, it’s not a coincidence that I am sharing this update today.